Children's Discovery Museum, San Jose
by Linda Foster

I can't think of a better way for children of all ages to discover the world they live in than through hands-on, interactive exploration, and the Children's Discovery Museum offers just that. The Children’s Discovery Museum boasts a reputation as a “cornerstone facility for interactive learning for schools and families throughout the Bay Area” and has been named one of the top ten children’s museums in the nation by Child Magazine. Since it first opened in June, 1990, the Museum has become a center for learning and discovery for children, families and schools. The educational mission of the Museum encompasses the themes of Connections, Community and Creativity. As noted on the Museum website, the “…exhibit philosophy is rooted in its mission and responds to the distinctive need for children to learn through concrete interactions—touching, exploring, manipulating and experimenting.” In seeking to accomplish its mission, the Museum offers 150 interactive exhibits geared towards discoveries about self, friends and the world.

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CA Dept. of Water, Sacramento River
by Jeffrey Oakar

California is famous for its grand, majestic natural wonders, and the mere mention of places like Yosemite National Park, Big Sur and Death Valley can strike wonderful images of roaring untouched coastline, soaring mountain adventures, grand hiking trails and spectacular wild flower displays. But the nation’s largest state has some well kept secrets, and one of them may come as a big surprise. The California Department of Water Resources gives free family field trips that will educate homeschoolers about our state’s water system. Along the way, the tour passes through old historic farming towns along the banks of the beautiful Sacramento River and takes in a good part of the Sacramento- San Joaquin River Delta region. It will knock your socks off! Although well concealed from most of the public, a tour through this wonderfully diverse area will more than stimulate the heart and soul especially for those who want to learn something new about California. Homeschoolers will especially find the trip rewarding because it provides a fun way to learn about history, nature and ecology. Most importantly, visitors should come away with a new appreciation of the fact that water is our most precious resource and it should never be taken for granted or wasted.

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CA Dept. of Water, Vista del Lago State Water Resource Visitors Center at Pyramid Lake
by Michael Leppert

Water.  . . besides oxygen, it is the most basic element in all of our lives. We can live far longer without food than without water. Here in California, water is even more pronounced in its importance, because nearly half of our state is a semi-arid desert, and it happens to be the most populated portion, as well. Unlike Northern California, that receives significant rainfall and snowmelt, in most winters, water has to be “imported” into Southern California and the rich farming country of Kern County, as well.

Pyramid Lake Reservoir, a major recreational area, and the aquatic reason for Vista del Lago Visitors Center, is one of the largest southern reservoirs in the California State Water Project (SWP), which is under the direction of the State Department of Water Resources, and the hands-on authority that developed the distribution system of pipelines, dams, the California Aqueduct, reservoirs, pumping stations and power stations from Lake Oroville, above Sacramento. The SWP is also the authority that distributes the gathered and stored water nearly 600 miles, to the San Francisco Bay area, Sacramento, the agricultural areas, and points south, including San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and Riverside. The SWP ranks as one of the modern marvels of human planning and execution, much like an aqueous version of the New York City subway system!

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iD Tech Travel Teen Program

“Filmmaking and the Spanish Culture has opened up a whole new world to my son. It has expanded his view of what he can do and what he wants to do.”- Janet, mother   Join us for our 6th season of documentary filmmaking and cultural immersion in Spain. Live with a Spanish family, eat authentic food, explore the enchanting beach town of Cádiz in Southern Andalucía, see a bullfight and Flamenco show, and visit the famed city of Sevilla. Attend Spanish language classes and shoot and edit your very own documentary of your European adventure with Canon® cameras and Apple® Final Cut Pro®. Spaces fill quickly so visit www.idSpain.com  for details and online specials.  You can also call 1-888-709-TECH (8324).  Mention promo code WD43 to save.

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Outdoor Education Adventure Weeks at Montecito Sequoia Lodge

Are you including Winter Survival in your Homeschool Program this year? The new and exciting Adventure Weeks offered by the Montecito Sequoia Lodge, between Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park, could save your life. This dynamic program available between December and April, offer BOTH Homeschool Parents and their Children ages 8-16, a variety of “choices” combining academics with recreation and Fun! The program focuses on developing a love for learning and encouraging intellectual curiosity, with hands on experience in Nature Observation, Tracking, Survival, Team Building, and More!!

Montecito Sequoia Lodge is one of the most family-friendly vacation destinations around. There really is something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Your youngsters will be clamoring to stay longer!

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